A Shorten Labor Government would invest $7.25 million in the Cooks River to Iron Cove Greenway, creating a continuous pedestrian and cycleway along the length of the corridor.

Eleven missing links have been identified along the 5.8km corridor, which connects the Parramatta River at Iron Cove to the Cooks River at Earlwood.

Recently the NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, met with State MPs whose electorates encompass the Greenway and indicated the NSW Government’s willingness to fund half the costs of completing these missing links.

Given the outrageous decision by the State Government to dismiss elected local councils and replace them with an unelected administrator this will further delay the completion of this vital project.

Federal Labor will step in and fund 50% of the costs to ensure that this project can be completed and that the NSW Government has no excuse for any further delay.

The previous NSW Labor Government fully funded the Greenway so that it would run along the full length of the inner west light rail line.

Yet upon being elected in 2011, the NSW Liberal Government cut all funding for the Greenway project.

The Baird Government now needs to officially make its offer to cover 50% of the costs – the time for excuses is over.

Linking active transport through walking and cycling to our public transport systems is a key part of sustainable urban design.

We understand that here in the inner west our open, green spaces are precious and deserve investment.

The Greenway will benefit many local families, particularly kids who can safely travel to school along the route.

Importantly cyclists and pedestrians will no longer have to cross Parramatta Road or Longport Street.

Inner west residents are eager for the Greenway to finally be completed.

I’m pleased to announce today that a Federal Labor Government will help make this happen by providing a guaranteed source of funding.